Middle School Update
Mystery Dinner
This week, our middle school students hosted an immersive Mystery Dinner that transformed the campus into a living investigation. Students stepped fully into character as historians, scientists, archivists, and investigators, guiding families through a series of evidence rooms to uncover the truth behind a stolen antiquity, a forged blueprint, and the poisoning of a scholar. Acting as detectives, families rotated through each room, questioned suspects, analyzed physical evidence, and built theories using real investigative reasoning. The evening culminated in a dramatic reveal that showcased not only strong performance skills but also deep learning in critical thinking, collaboration, public speaking, and problem-solving. We are incredibly proud of our students for designing, rehearsing, and running such a complex, engaging event from start to finish.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our parents and families for showing up with such enthusiasm, curiosity, and a generous spirit for the Mystery Dinner. Your willingness to step into the role of detectives, engage deeply with the students’ work, and fully participate in the experience made the evening truly special. Events like this are only possible because of the strong partnership between home and school, and your ongoing support of your students and our learning community does not go unnoticed. Thank you for trusting us, encouraging creativity, and celebrating the hard work and growth of our middle school students alongside us.
High School Update
As an opportunity to dive deeper into how the bodies of living things maintain themselves, students had a project in which they chose an extreme environment on Earth and studied an organism that lives there. Many of the students chose the Arctic environment and spent their time researching how penguins, pikas, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls are adapted to survive in extremely cold, windy conditions. Others chose organisms that live in the desert, or even organisms that can survive in space! We took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent some time working outside while discussing how bodies process extreme pressures, researching, and writing.
In Global Studies, as part of our Sub-Saharan African Civilizations unit, students took a "Virtual Tour" of West Africa using Google Earth, still images, and videos. Among the places they visited were the Niger River, Timbuktu, the Gulf of Guinea, and Djenee-Djenno. Students also learned about the great Jollof rice debate that has been raging on social media for the past several years, in which participants argue over which African country has the best Jollof rice recipe. Students even participated by making a batch of Jollof rice, which they shared with the Anacapa community at lunch.
FROM THE SENATE:
The Student Senate is excited to announce that Spirit Fridays will return next week, starting with a Celebrities theme (no political figures).
Students who participate will have a chance to win a $10 McConnell’s gift card.
Hello everyone! We’re excited to share what’s happening the week of January 26th, including volunteer opportunities for those looking to give back and earn hours. Be sure to check announcements or speak with a senate member for more details. Our Tuesday activity will be dodgeball in the Carrillo Gym, so come ready for some fast-paced fun, and on Thursday, we’ll be hosting Jeopardy, where you can test your knowledge and compete with friends. Don’t forget about Spirit Friday. We hope to see everyone participating and having a great week!
Electives
Sewing
Students began their own projects. Previously, they had made pillows, and this week they began designing and making their own pillowcases. After seeing a miniature pillowcase being made, students had the opportunity to choose their own fabric from a wide variety of colours and patterns. It was great to see them take charge of their own projects and get guidance on the finer points of measuring and sewing fabrics of different sorts.
Baking
Our Baking Elective played a delicious and essential role in bringing the Mystery Dinner to life. In the days leading up to the event, students worked collaboratively to plan, prepare, and bake brownies for dessert, learning firsthand what it takes to cook for a large group. From measuring and mixing to timing and presentation, they took responsibility for every step of the process while coordinating with the broader event needs. Their teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail helped ensure the evening ran smoothly — and the brownies were a hit with detectives of all ages!
Gardening
This week in Gardening, students celebrated their first true harvest grown entirely from seed. Our radishes were ready to pull, and the excitement of harvesting something they planted and tended themselves was palpable. Best of all—they were delicious. It was a powerful, tangible moment of patience, care, and connection to where food comes from.
